Concave 2016 Range

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  • 2016

  • Product
    Sport and Lifestyle

Designed By:

Commissioned By:

Concave

Designed In:

Australia

Concave is a revolutionary football boot which increases kicking performance.

Concave ‘s 2016 Range completely reconceives their world-first and patented technology into a dynamic, lightweight ‘element’ moulding; enlarging the striking sweet spot; and cupping convex both round/oval footballs to tangibly improve accuracy, distance and velocity compared to standard boots.


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  • CHALLENGE
  • SOLUTION
  • IMPACT
  • MORE
  • • Before Concave, all football boots had a striking surface formed by the foot's top 'ridge' (metatarsal bone). • Major sports brands traditionally focussed on footwear as fashion; technical development centred on the sole. Concave & Cobalt concentrated on the point of contact, the striking surface between the foot and the ball. • Independent & university tests show Concave boots improve accuracy (up to 30%) & velocity up to 15% compared to regular (control) boots, in both mechanical and field conditions. • Overall weight was reduced across the 2016 Range reducing fatigue to high possession players. The Volt's 200g development weight is comparable to 'speed' class boots by competitor brands (Adidas etc).

  • • The 2016 range introduces a completely new instep moulding (the Concave element). • Previously, the Concave element was a large solid block. The new design is a smaller & more flexible shelled moulding. • The new Concave element's material & cross sectional shape allows dynamic deflection to better rebound the ball. The mould provides control & accuracy by capturing more of the ball from the strike, like an egg in a teaspoon. • The new Concave element's shorter front to back length, & shelled design allows natural foot dorsiflexion (foot's flex during running). Combined with new sole & upper designs, movement is less impeded aiding high possession 'mid-field' players who can run 16+kms per game.

  • • The Concave element provides protect the metatarsal bones (which are critical to power kicking) from injuries caused by the hard studs of other players' boots. • The boots' Fusion lining reduce internal seams to provide a comfortable surface for the player's foot & improve durability. • Contoured liners with a foam heel pad combine to provide targeted shock absorption. The liners are moulded from premium EVA for longer durability. • Sole designs have variable cross sections to optimally balance foot flex & support. Specific stud patterns are designed for reliable traction on natural & synthetic turfs. Trainer models are available with non-marking outsoles for indoor surfaces or urban use.

  • • Concave's element performs equally for all codes as the ball geometry of an oval (AFL or rugby) ball at its preferred striking point is near identical to that of a standard round (soccer) ball. • Collectively Concave's 2016 range offers a full range of sole, stud & width models to fit any player (incl. wide fit) & any playing surface (soft & hard turf as well as indoor/urban). • All models address the shift to minimalist 'barefeet' footwear through lighter weight construction & simpler forms.

    • Quantum; Power. Full size Concave element for maximum kicking power & distance. For other kicking actions (i.e dribbling in soccer) it's kangaroo leather vamp (toe) better transfers ball feel. • Halo; Control. Midsized Concave element and TPU rubber inserts fused along the single-piece microfibre upper provide added grip for enhanced ball control. • Volt; Speed. Concave element is smaller whilst balancing kicking & dynamic performance. Its unique Pebax polymer moulded sole weighs 20% less than traditional soles; & single-piece microfiber upper has minimal stitching & gluing, saving further weight.

    • Concave has established its core technology over 18 years of continuous development. • For the 2016 Range, Concave & Cobalt listened to user & expert feedback of earlier boot models & redesigned the boots to address these areas. • The resultant 2016 Range is a watershed improvement in overall design, quality, comfort & performance. The range was co-developed by Cobalt & Concave, with special input from Concave's Innovation Director, Volker Steidle. • Significant research informed the design of materials, product graphics, detailing & colourways of each model.

    • Concave's technology improves all footballers' kicking performance: elite through to recreational & for all codes (incl. formal FIFA, AFL accreditation). • Concave is sold in Europe, UK, Asia & globally especially to football (soccer) players. In Australia it is used for all football codes. • The 2016 Range's bold design, lighter weight & overall boot quality/functionality has further expanded Concave's reach/sales globally. • Concave is building its presence under the shadow of giant global sportswear brands. It continues to attract football legends & current champions to ambassador the brand. In Australia these include Ron Barassi & Jake Stringer (AFL All-Australian & Western Bulldogs star forward).